GlobalP3HS Fellow - Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+). Unit of Population Epidemiology – Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland.

National Faculty of Public Health – University of Antioquia, Colombia.

Diplomas

• BSc Microbiology and Bio-analysis, University of Antioquia, Colombia.
• Ibero-american Master in Public Policy Evaluation, International University of Andalusia, Spain.
• European Master of Public Health: concentration advanced epidemiology and biostatistics, Andalusian School of Public Health (Spain) - École des Hautes Études en Santé Publique (France).

Biography

Hugo is a Public Health practitioner, social innovator and artist. His work experience has been focused in different areas related to nutrition, NCDs, health inequalities research, public policy evaluation, social innovation and leadership. He has been actively involved in several reserch groups and NGOs such as ISGlobal, the Health Inequalities Research Group (GREDS-EMCONET) – Pompeu Fabra University, the Health Management Research Group – University of Antioquia, AIESEC, among others and has worked as independent consultant for several organizations. Prior to his Fellowship position Hugo led activities of the evaluation of the Colombian 10 year breastfeeding plan (Plan Decenal de Lactancia Materna) and the formulation of the new 10 year policy instrument. He is also involved in the Center for Global Health Inequalities Research (CHAIN) at the Norwegian University for Science and Technology (NTNU). His research interests include the relationship between health and nutrition equity, social innovation and the urban environment. He is also passionate about music, dance and the intersection of artistic expressions.

Why is this PhD important for me (for my career, organization or country)

This PhD is important as it allows to consolidate my research and public health career, it provides further skills and opens new possibilities for professional growth. It is also important for me as it offers the possibility for establishing cooperation links with Colombia, supported by the modality of my fellowship aiming to strengthen research capacity in developing countries. This is crucial as we need more  understanding of the international sector and research community for a better and more concious  global development. This PhD program is also one of the few programs focused on global health in Europe and gives me the chance of getting involved with a broad range of areas, researchers and practitioners.

Why did I choose this PhD program ?

The PhD program in Global Health offered by the University of Geneva can give a holistic view of health issues. If taken advantage of, it can offer a platform for further research into Global Health pressing issues and to translate research results into more tangible actions, specially due to the possibility for interdisciplinary exchanges with people all over the world that work in institutions having a direct impact on national or international policies. It is also involved with other institutions such as the Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), that offers a wide range of courses and activities complementing the training.